Plumbing FAQ's
| 1) Does a lawn sprinkler system require a permit and inspection? |
| Yes, we inspect to assure that proper material is used, proper backflow protection is installed, and that the installation is done to code. |
| 2) Do sewer and water penetrations through concrete walls require sleeves? |
| Yes, code requires that "all piping passing under or through walls shall be protected from breakage". Also "sleeves shall be provided to protect all piping through concrete or masonry exterior or bearing walls. |
| 3) Must sewer and water penetrations through concrete walls be sealed? |
| Yes, annular space between sleeves and pipes shall be filled or tightly caulked with coal tar, asphaltum compount, or other material found equally effective and approved as such by the administrative authority. |
| 4) Why is thermal expansion required with the installation of backflow assemblies? |
| Installation of a backflow assembly on a main water service creates a closed system, not allowing expansion from heated water to dissipate into the main. A thermal expansion device eliminates this problem. |
| 5) Why are pressure-balance valves required in showers or tub/shower units? |
| This code requirement was added because of the numerous cases of scalding due to cold water usage elsewhere in the structure, which caused sudden bursts of hot water to flow from the fixture. |
| 6) Why does a water service have to be 48" deep? |
| With the varying depth of the frost line Pueblo County a uniform depth was required. 48" meets the code requirement of "1ft. below frost line" in the majority of areas in the county. |
| 7) How can stores sell a product if it isn't legal to install? |
| In order to protect the health of the public, the Uniform Plumbing Code requires that all products be tested to assure that they not only meet stringent manufacturing requirements but that they also meet the requirements of the code. If the product doesn't meet both it cannot be installed. |
| 8) Can I use PVC for water piping inside my house? |
| No, PVC pipe is not approved for use inside a structure. This is a manufacturers standard. |
| 9) Can I do the plumbing in my rental? |
| No, per Ordinance Sec. 4-1-9 "….shall be occupied by the owner as the owner's principal place of residence… This is done for the protection of the tenants of the structure. |
| 10) What is the required test for DWV systems? |
| There are 2 procedures that are approved. You may use either a 5# air pressure test or you may fill the system with water to a 10' height or to the highest point through the roof. (The 5# air test must be set at 5#, not higher in hopes that it will be at 5# when the inspector arrives.) |
If you have additional Plumbing Questions, please contact Dan Daniels or phone him at 543-0002
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